Draw for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada: how it works, the teams and the format

The 48-team soccer World Cup, spread across three host nations and set to be the longest in history, is finally here. The United States, along with neighbours Mexico and Canada are set to stage a tournament packed with elite national teams and the game’s biggest stars. The talent on show will be off the charts. The expansion to 12 groups, up from the traditional eight, means more games and more drama. From June 11 to July 19, 2026, the world will stop. From Messi to Lamine Yamal, from Cristiano Ronaldo to Mbappé. From defending champion Argentina to a hopeful USMNT side, from powerhouse Brazil to formidable France. There is simply nothing like a World Cup.

Follow the World Cup 2026 draw live.

POT 1

Canada

Mexico

United States

Spain

Argentina

France

England

Brazil

Portugal

Netherlands

Belgium

Germany

The moment of truth

By: Diego Gorostieta

Canada heads to back-to-back World Cups for the first time in its history. This will be just its third appearance on the game’s biggest stage, after Mexico 1986 and Qatar 2022. But for the squad known as the Maple Leaf, this one carries a different weight: Canada is hosting, and expectations are rising in a country where the sport is still growing.

Canada’s mission is straightforward. The team has never won a World Cup match and has never made it out of the group stage. That is the storyline they hope to rewrite as a host nation aiming to use home soil as a springboard into the knockout rounds for the first time. The moment of truth has arrived for Canada’s “golden generation,” a group where many of them play in Europe, with key roles at their clubs.

Star: Alphonso Davies

Twice named Concacaf’s best player and fueled by a sense of unfinished business after Qatar 2022, Davies arrives as the man expected to lead Canada at the 2026 World Cup. The Bayern Munich left back returns stronger after recovering from a torn ACL that kept him off the field, and a World Cup on home soil is all the motivation he needs.

Head coach: Jesse Marsch

After John Herdman’s departure, Canada stayed the course with its long-term project and found in Jesse Marsch the ideal coach to guide it. Since taking over in 2024, the American has managed 26 matches, producing an impressive return: 13 wins, five draws and eight losses. His standout achievement to date is leading Canada to a third-place finish at the 2024 Copa América.

Making history in its third home World Cup

By: Aarón Nieto

“El Tri” heads into its ninth consecutive World Cup, looking to surpass its best-ever finish: the quarterfinal run on home soil at Mexico ’86. Forty years later, Mexico returns as a host nation, qualifying automatically but arriving under heavy scrutiny after a year of underwhelming warm-up results that have amplified pressure around the team.

Star: Gilberto Mora

At just 17, the Tijuana forward is widely viewed as one of the next breakout talents in world football. He is the youngest player ever to debut and win an official title with the Mexican national team, and top European clubs, including Real Madrid, are already tracking him closely.

Head coach: Javier Aguirre

“El Vasco” will coach Mexico at a World Cup for the third time. Remarkably, each of his stints in charge has come under emergency circumstances. He replaced Enrique Meza in 2001, stepped in for Sven-Göran Eriksson in 2009 and again took over on short notice when Jaime Lozano was dismissed in 2024.

Pochettino’s dream

By: Eduardo López

For all its ups and downs, the United States is, for the moment, the strongest of the three 2026 host nations. The Americans have not lost since the Gold Cup final, a 2-1 defeat to their long-time rival Mexico, and now appear to be hitting cruising speed. Five wins and one draw closed out a year that looked complicated on paper but ended full of promise.

Mauricio Pochettino has found the formula through a shift to a 3-5-2 and the emergence of unexpected contributors such as Tessmann, Berhalter and Cristian Roldán. On a broader level, the Argentine wants to reshape a soccer culture that in the United States still follows the statistical and media logic of NFL, NBA and MLB standards, rather than the street talent, emotion and instinct that define the global game, especially in South America. He also wants more attention and connection from the public. That is his fight and his dream.

Star: Christian Pulisic

The Pennsylvania native is a genuine difference-maker. For the past year and a half he has been Milan’s best player, and even with a couple of injuries, his 2025-26 numbers underline his influence: ten matches, seven goals and two assists. His relationship with Pochettino does not appear ideal, but the Argentine coach still sees him as indispensable.

Head coach: Mauricio Pochettino

The former Chelsea, PSG and Tottenham manager survived criticism during his first year in charge and even a locker-room mutiny. The Gold Cup crisis, when Pulisic chose not to join the squad, has been pushed into the past thanks to results and a clear improvement in the team’s style. His version of Team USA plays well and is winning over neutrals, but he still wants to see the fanbase grow to the level he envisions.

Chasing a second star

By Joaquín Maroto

Spain enters the 2026 World Cup as one of the favorites to win it all and add a second star to the one earned in South Africa in 2010. Qualification was flawless, and the team is now unbeaten in 31 straight matches, tying Italy’s record. Spain is the reigning European champion and sits atop the FIFA rankings. Beyond the accolades, it is simply the side playing the best football: scoring freely and conceding very little.

Star: Lamine Yamal

Lamine Yamal is unquestionably Spain’s marquee player, and the team has gone more than two and a half years without a loss since he broke through. The Barcelona winger is already a global sensation, but he truly came of age with the national team. His performances at the Euros were electrifying, highlighted by a stunning display against France, and he has since become a cornerstone at his club. Lamine is both the star and the potential leader of a squad driven by an insatiable hunger to win.

Head coach: Luis  de la Fuente

Luis de la Fuente has built a tightly knit group with a clear identity and a potent attacking style. The coach from La Rioja is the architect of what many believe is one of the finest Spanish sides ever assembled, a team aspiring to reach the heights of the legendary tiki-taka era. Spain stands out for its forward-thinking, vertical, high-tempo football in which even the defenders are comfortable and creative on the ball.

Messi’s last act

By Óscar García

The reigning champion arrives as one of the leading contenders for the title. This is a group that thrives under pressure, and this time it must also manage the noise and emotion surrounding what is expected to be Leo Messi’s final appearance at a major international tournament.

The core that won in 2022 will again form the backbone of a squad Scaloni has already begun reshaping to ensure the generational transition is as smooth as possible.

Star: Lionel Messi

He is set to play in his sixth World Cup, a fitting final chapter to one of the most extraordinary careers the sport has ever seen.

Head coach: Lionel Scaloni

Few managers will arrive with the level of universal backing that Scaloni enjoys at home. He has turned Argentina into a united, mentally unshakeable side.

Francia wants their third title

By Andrés Onrubia

France will land in the United States wearing the label of favorite. Les Bleus are aiming for a third star in what will be Didier Deschamps’s final tournament in charge, closing out a historic era that delivered the 2018 World Cup, the 2021 Nations League and two runner-up finishes, at Euro 2016 and the most recent World Cup.

Loaded with talent across every line, France will once again lean on Kylian Mbappé, who arrives determined to erase the sting of the final against Argentina in Lusail. The forward could become the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history and will have a glittering cast around him, including Cherki, Olise, Dembélé and Désiré Doué. The big question is whether this French team can finally resolve the persistent issues in its play under Deschamps and whether it can sustain the competitive fire that has made it one of the world’s elite national sides.

Star: Kylian Mbappé

The day after losing what many regard as the greatest World Cup final ever played, Mbappé declared that France would return through the front door. The French captain is the figure Les Bleus will depend on as they pursue a third star in the United States.

Head coach: Didier Deschamps

Deschamps took over in 2012, inheriting a fractured team still reeling from recent failures at the World Cup and European Championship. His personality and leadership quickly restored cohesion to a dressing room on the ropes. That work reached its pinnacle in 2018, when France marched to the world title with a near-perfect tournament. In November 2024, he confirmed that the 2026 World Cup would be his last in charge of Les Bleus.

60 years of hurt

By Pablo Montaño

None of Tuchel’s excellent qualifying campaign will matter if the Three Lions don’t finish the job on July 19. No team matched England’s numbers on the road to the 2026 World Cup: eight wins in eight matches, 22 goals scored and none conceded. A perfect run. Faultless. But only lifting the trophy next summer will determine whether hiring the German manager was the right call or a costly mistake.

England grew from slow beginnings into a powerhouse on its path to Canada, the United States and Mexico, winning convincingly even without several of its headline stars. The two five-goal routs of Serbia and Latvia marked the high point of a side that, even at its best, cannot escape debate. Beyond the noise surrounding Jude Bellingham’s return, any squad featuring Kane, Rice, Saka, Foden or Rashford must be considered among the favorites.

Star: Jude Bellingham

With respect to captain Harry Kane—and to the Daily Mail—Bellingham will once again be the player expected to lead England on the big stage, just as he did at Euro 2024. “On what planet would England be better without their best player?” the Mirror asked. The English No. 10 and Real Madrid star is determined to silence any lingering doubts by striking gold in the United States in what will be his second World Cup after Qatar 2022.

Head coach: Thomas Tuchel

Tuchel’s appointment as Gareth Southgate’s successor came with plenty of controversy. The third non-British manager in England’s history was not greeted warmly at first, but the German has won over the fanbase through his style, his results and his decisiveness. He has strengthened England’s set-piece play, lost only once (a friendly) and turned once-unknown players such as Anderson into automatic starters.

The road to the sixth...

By Eduardo Burgos

As in every World Cup, Brazil sets its sights on the trophy itself, even if the team does not arrive in its finest form. Qualifying ended in the worst possible way: fifth place, the lowest finish in the nation’s history. Recent friendlies tell the same bittersweet story. They impressed against South Korea (0-5) and Senegal (2-0), but slipped back into old habits against Japan (3-2) and Tunisia (1-1).

Thanks to pedigree and tradition, the Seleção is never “just another team.” Brazil remains one of the opponents to watch, above all because of its sheer talent. Carlo Ancelotti is one of the few managers who can boast a world-class player in virtually every position, especially in attack: Alisson, Militão, Gabriel Magalhães, Bruno Guimarães, Casemiro, Estêvão, Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr. are capable of brilliance when in form, but also of the opposite.

Star: Vinicius

Samba and funk in full flight. Vinicius Jr. is, on merit, the centerpiece of this team. He enters his first World Cup as Brazil’s focal point and has little room for error. Unpredictable, electric and blessed with Olympic sprinter speed, he has scored only eight goals for the senior national team, but his fortunes have shifted dramatically under Ancelotti. With Neymar absent, Vini is the undisputed king.

Head coach: Carlo Ancelotti

A gentle touch is back in fashion. Carlo Ancelotti’s arrival brought stability to the squad, and in less than six months he has transformed the Seleção. His approach is clear: import the same model that made him successful at Real Madrid. Pragmatism drives his system, which has also welcomed back seasoned figures such as Danilo and Casemiro. Without question, he is one of this World Cup’s marquee figures.

Cristiano’s shot at history

By Aritz Gabilondo

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal heads into the World Cup dreaming of a first-ever title and determined to honor its captain and icon, who will make history by appearing in the tournament for a sixth time. Qualification proved tougher than expected, but no one has forgotten that not long ago Portugal beat Spain to win the Nations League. With top-tier talent such as Nuno Mendes, Rúben Dias, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha and João Neves, Roberto Martínez’s side is closer than ever to capturing its first World Cup crown.

Star: Cristiano

A potential suspension loomed over Cristiano after his sending off in the qualifying phase, but two of his three banned matches were ultimately lifted, allowing him to start the tournament from day one. This will be his sixth World Cup, a milestone that only elevates his legend. He is chasing his 1,000th career goal, a mythical benchmark for a player of mythical stature.

Head coach: Roberto Martínez

Despite winning the Nations League and guiding one of the favorites for the World Cup, Martínez cannot fully shake off criticism. Issues during qualifying, periods of disjointed play and a segment of the country’s preference for domestic coaches continue to follow him and could stir trouble.

Back among the giants

By Iván Cordovilla

The dark years in which the Netherlands failed to qualify for Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup now feel far away. They reached the quarterfinals in Qatar and came within touching distance of the final in Germany. The Dutch once again see themselves as a major force, fully capable of springing a surprise.

This is a team with a clearly defined starting XI, with only a couple of spots still up for grabs. At left back, it’s Aké or Van de Ven; on the right wing, Xavi Simons, Malen or Kluivert. But the defense and midfield are powerful enough to go toe-to-toe with anyone, and Gakpo routinely turns into a star when he pulls on the Oranje shirt. Up top, Memphis continues to deliver as the No. 9.

Star: De Jong

For years he has been one of the world’s premier midfielders. He has earned immense respect at Barcelona and takes on even greater responsibility with the national team. Everything runs through him, and he finally has teammates on his wavelength in Gravenberch and Reijnders.

Head coach: Koeman

Under Koeman, the Netherlands can count on one hand the number of times they have lost to inferior opponents. The stability he provides has been vital, and under the guidance of this national legend, the team has grown stronger and more cohesive. He has not ruled out stepping aside after the World Cup.

The perennial contender

By Ignacio Camacho

Belgium’s golden generation enters this World Cup with one of its final chances to accomplish something big. Courtois, De Bruyne, Lukaku and company came close in Russia 2018, finishing third, but since then the national team has steadily faded. In Qatar, Belgium didn’t even make it out of the group stage. With its biggest stars nearing the twilight of their careers, the task of renewal now rests with Rudi Garcia.

Courtois and De Bruyne remain the standard-bearers of a project in which Doku has assumed the role once held by Hazard. Trossard, Tielemans, Lukebakio and Openda, among others, give Belgium the profile of a team with high ambitions, but one that still needs to prove itself on the biggest stages.

Star: Courtois

The best goalkeeper in the world. Capable of stopping the impossible and reaching places others simply can’t. Seven years after being named the top keeper at the 2018 World Cup, he remains at his peak. Some even argue he has the qualities to be considered the greatest goalkeeper of all time. A bold claim, but one gaining traction.

Head coach: Rudi Garcia

The French manager arrived to steady the ship after the disastrous Tedesco era, which saw confrontations with several senior players, including Courtois. In less than a year, he secured Belgium’s World Cup berth without major trouble, though a few doubts surfaced in matches against modest opponents like Kazakhstan.

More doubts than answers

By José Carlos Menzel

As has become common in recent major tournaments, Germany arrives at the World Cup with more questions than certainties. Qualifying was anything but convincing and, with a little over six months until kickoff in the United States, Canada and Mexico, Nagelsmann is still waiting for key pillars like Musiala, Havertz, Rüdiger and Ter Stegen to return from injury. For all the brilliance of the four stars on their crest, the Mannschaft remains an enigma, capable of the best and the worst.

Captain Joshua Kimmich, Rüdiger and Wirtz will attempt to fill the void left by legends such as Neuer, Kroos and Müller after the Euros, but this current group looks far more fragile than the side that nearly knocked out Spain in the quarterfinals. The one clear positive: with Woltemade, a classic German target man who is also strong on the ball, Germany once again has a reliable No. 9.

Star: Wirtz

Musiala will have only about six months to get up to speed after fracturing his fibula at the Club World Cup, meaning the creative burden will fall heavily on Wirtz. The star of Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen team that dazzled the world has not been at his best since joining Liverpool, but there is no doubt he has the quality to regain his role as the focal point of the national team.

Head coach: Nagelsmann

The former Hoffenheim, Leipzig and Bayern manager took over after Hansi Flick failed to restore Germany to the elite. In a little more than two years at the helm of the four-time world champions, Nagelsmann still has not managed to revive the competitive edge that once defined German teams. He has opted to blood a wave of young prospects rather than build a settled core for the World Cup. Whether that gamble pays off remains to be seen.

POT 2

Croatia

Morocco

Colombia

Uruguay

Switzerland

Japan

Senegal

Iran

South Korea

Ecuador

Austria

Australia

Modric, the legend

By Pablo M. Fuentenebro

Croatia remains a wolf in sheep’s clothing. The checkered side consistently rises to the occasion in major moments—especially at World Cups rather than Euros—and always seems to summon its competitive spirit when it matters most. The memories of that historic run to the 2018 final and the third-place finish in Qatar in 2022 still loom large. Two podium finishes in the last two World Cups say everything about how dangerous this team can be.

Even with the veteran Modric still leading the way, Croatia’s renewal is obvious. Ivanovic, Matanovic, Petar Sucic and Gvardiol represent a new wave eager to carve out their own place. It is a team that knows exactly how it wants to play and has earned its standing in world football on merit.

Star: Modric

At 40, Modric will appear in his fifth World Cup—and it would have been six had Croatia qualified in 2010. It is no coincidence that the greatest player ever to wear the Croatian shirt is one of the marquee attractions of the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner remains a global draw for his professionalism, undeniable quality and magnetic presence. A true leader.

Head coach: Dalic

If Modric is a Croatian legend on the pitch, Dalic is one on the touchline. Appointed just before the 2018 World Cup, he has cemented his place in the country’s football history. With more than 100 matches in charge, only 25 defeats and a win rate above 50 percent, he stands as the greatest coach Croatia has ever had.

The Atlas Lions mean business

By Ilias Bentadda

Morocco arrives at the World Cup as the breakout team of African football. It wasn’t just the semifinal run in 2022; they recently won the U-20 World Cup, have produced outstanding results across all youth levels and put together 18 straight victories—a world record that eclipsed marks held by Spain and Germany.

The country is experiencing an unprecedented football boom, and the calendar reflects it: first the Africa Cup of Nations on home soil, where the scrutiny will be intense, and then the summer World Cup, with a clear objective—aim as high as they did during that unforgettable run in Qatar. With established top-level players such as Mazraoui, Brahim, Amrabat and Abde, Morocco blends blistering verticality, ambitious youth and seasoned leadership in key areas.

Star: Achraf

At the center of this surge stands Achraf Hakimi, captain and talisman, currently injured and uncertain for the AFCON. The right back comes off a season in which he won everything with PSG, finished sixth in the Ballon d’Or voting and was crowned African Player of the Year—the perfect symbol of Morocco’s competitive leap.

Head coach: Walid Regragui

Back on the sideline is Walid Regragui, preparing for his second World Cup under more pressure than ever. He has acknowledged that his future hinges on Morocco’s performance at the Africa Cup of Nations, a tournament treated almost as a national priority. His record is impeccable, though his style sometimes sparks debate. Even so, no one doubts he is built to win matches and manage high-stakes environments.

Chasing the final

By Christian González

Colombia heads into its seventh World Cup determined to surpass its 2014 run in Brazil, where it reached the quarterfinals. The team returns to the tournament after missing Qatar 2022, and the mission is clear: make it to the final. Pibe Valderrama and other icons of the global game believe this squad has what it takes.

Colombia finished third in CONMEBOL qualifying with 28 points. Luis Díaz led the team with seven goals, while James Rodríguez topped the entire competition with seven assists. Maintaining that level of production is another key challenge.

Star: Luis Díaz

At 29, Lucho will play in his first World Cup, arriving as Colombia’s leading figure and emotional anchor. With more than 20 international goals, he is already among the country’s all-time top scorers and is determined to help James bid farewell on the highest stage possible.

Head coach: Néstor Lorenzo

At 60, Lorenzo will coach in his first World Cup after serving as José Pékerman’s assistant in 2014 and 2018. His tenure has faced criticism at times, but he enters the tournament with a clear mandate: guide this generation to the final. Four years of work need to culminate in 2026.

Tension around Bielsa

By Héctor Pérez

Great stories often emerge from turbulent situations, and Uruguay may be writing another one. Amid a coaching crisis and growing scrutiny of Marcelo Bielsa, the South American side qualified for the World Cup despite fading down the stretch.

Internal locker-room issues have not only fractured the squad but also appeared to undermine a team that, on the field, has drifted away from Bielsa’s ideas.

Star: Fede Valverde

“The Falcon” serves as Uruguay’s leader and captain. Now more than ever, with full star status at Real Madrid, he needs to bring his best version to the national team. The midfield runs through him, and so do many of Uruguay’s most dangerous moments. How high La Celeste can fly depends heavily on his own flight path.

Head coach: Marcelo Bielsa

Warning signs are flashing for Bielsa on the international stage. His public comments have fueled doubt, and those doubts have put the spotlight sharply on him. Uruguay faces many questions, one of them being whether the coach who led them to qualification will still be in charge when the World Cup begins.

A golden generation’s last chance

By Iván Cordovilla

Three straight World Cups ending in the round of 16 and two quarterfinal runs at the Euros have given this Switzerland side a level of consistency that borders on excellence, especially for a team without true superstar talent. A solid, cohesive group now prepares for what may be its final dance in the Americas.

Shaqiri and Sommer are gone, but Xhaka, Akanji, Ricardo Rodríguez and Freuler remain, joined by a new wave that includes Kobel, Sow, Vargas and Ndoye. Fresh legs for a generation that is slowly winding down, but one that should never be underestimated.

Star: Xhaka

A national legend. No player has made more appearances for Switzerland. His teams play the way he dictates, and he commands immense respect in midfield. Now 33, he appears to be performing at the highest level of his career.

Head coach: Yakin

Appointed after Euro 2021, he has met expectations. Switzerland qualified with ease from a soft group, but one in which they still managed to beat Sweden twice. He has firmly established himself in the role.

High expectations

By Héctor Pérez

The Samurai Blue are in the midst of a transformation aimed at becoming more competitive beyond Asia. After showing real progress in recent World Cups, Japan now has another major opportunity to showcase its development on the global stage.

A strong qualifying campaign and the growing influence of Japanese players in Europe have only raised expectations. This is a national team that has often fallen just short and now faces significant pressure after easing its way into the tournament.

Star: Takefusa Kubo

The Real Sociedad playmaker can be streaky, but when the sparks fly, the quality is exceptional. His place in the national team is unquestioned, and his importance has grown in a side that needs him to lead both on and off the pitch at this World Cup.

Head coach: Hajime Moriyasu

In charge since 2018, Moriyasu knows not only the senior team but also the Japanese youth system inside out. Time has allowed him to guide his players more effectively and adapt with greater tactical flexibility. He has molded Japan into a more complete, well-rounded team.

Un sleeping giant

By Pablo M. Fuentenebro

Alongside Morocco, Senegal stands as Africa’s most formidable national team. This will be its third straight World Cup and the fourth in its history, a run that reflects why it sits comfortably inside FIFA’s top 20. In 2002, during its World Cup debut, Senegal reached the quarterfinals. That is the target once again this summer: return to being a team capable of something bigger. The talent and potential are certainly there.

The Africa Cup of Nations this winter is their first major test. Repeating their 2022 triumph would set the tone and send them to the World Cup wearing the label of tournament dark horse. Senegal blends exciting emerging talent—Pape Gueye, Matar Sarr, Ismaila Sarr—with veteran leadership from goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, defender Kalidou Koulibaly and attacking star Sadio Mané. Young Assane Diao, who left Spain’s youth system to represent his birth nation, adds another dynamic piece.

Star: Mané

The Al Nassr forward remains the most recognizable figure in the Lions of Teranga. He is by far the national team’s all-time leading scorer. At 33, he finally has a chance to make up for missing the last World Cup in Qatar after a late fibula injury ruled him out.

Head coach: Pape Thiaw

He took charge about a year ago after serving as Aliou Cissé’s assistant, having previously stepped in as interim coach. His record across those stints is outstanding: 16 wins in 21 matches and only two defeats. As a player, he spent time in Spain with Alavés, Lorca Deportivo and Atlético Ciudad.

A solid block

By Jorge Muñoz

Iran heads to the 2026 World Cup after a commanding qualifying campaign. In the third round of Asian qualifiers, it won six matches and drew two—both against Uzbekistan—which was enough to secure its place comfortably. This will be Iran’s seventh World Cup appearance, though the team has never advanced beyond the group stage, one of its major challenges this time around.

Iran maintains for 2026 the same core that has made it one of Asia’s most consistent powers, and does so without any major long-term absences. Recent form has been steady: a run to the semifinals of the 2023 Asian Cup, where it fell to Qatar, and only two official losses during the entire pre-qualifying cycle.

Star: Mehdi Taremi

He played a decisive role in Iran’s qualification, scoring both goals in the draw against Uzbekistan that sealed their World Cup berth. Now with Olympiakos, he has built an impressive European career with standout spells at Porto and Inter Milan.

Head coach: Amir Ghalenoei

Appointed in March 2023 and under contract through the 2026 World Cup, he is one of the most decorated managers in Iranian club football, with five league titles and multiple domestic cups to his name.

A dangerous ‘gift’

By Víctor M. Jiménez

South Korea is headed to its 11th consecutive World Cup, still dreaming big. After finishing top of their qualifying group by a clear margin, the Koreans are one of those Pot 2 teams that look easier on paper than they actually are. Their last three victims—Paraguay, Bolivia and Ghana—offer a good preview of what this Asian side can do on the big stage in 2026.

Always combative and impeccably drilled, Hong Myung-bo’s squad is aiming to take the next step and reach the quarterfinals for the first time in its history. With three established stars in Kang-In Lee, Son Heung-min and Kim Min-jae, Korea can toggle between several systems: back three, double pivot, or a three-man attack.

Star: Son

A true legend entering his final battle. Son Heung-min is the unquestioned leader of a team that owes him plenty. Relentless, versatile and equally dangerous with either foot, he sits on 54 goals and is just a couple shy of becoming the nation’s all-time leading scorer. He already holds the record for the most World Cup goals by a Korean player, which says it all.

Head coach: Hong Myung-bo

A man of many stories. Hong Myung-bo knows the national team setup inside out, having coached at multiple youth levels and spent time in both Russian and Chinese football. Fans may also remember him as the scorer of one of the goals in Korea’s 2–2 draw with Spain at the 1994 World Cup.

South America’s dark horse

By Eduardo Burgos

La Tricolor has become one of CONMEBOL’s most exciting revelations. The 2026 tournament will be its second straight World Cup after Qatar 2022, and the promises of that earlier team are now established European stars. “Gustavo Alfaro’s kids,” now thriving under Sebastián Beccacece, finished South American qualifying in style: second place, behind only Argentina, marking the best campaign in the nation’s history.

Ecuador is a country where investment in football has grown year after year, and the results speak for themselves: Moisés Caicedo, Piero Hincapié, Willian Pacho, Pervis Estupiñán, Kendry Páez, Gonzalo Plata, Justin Lerma… a young, dynamic squad with the quality to stand up to anyone. Ecuador wants to assert itself on the world stage and, why not, become the breakout team of this World Cup.

Star: Moisés Caicedo

The boy is now a man. Caicedo is the reference point for a national team full of young stars. The Premier League’s most expensive signing as of last summer, he is a fully fledged star for both Chelsea and Ecuador. He is only 24, yet already draws comparisons to Makelele, Kanté and Lass Diarra. No small praise.

Head coach: Sebastián Beccacece

From Elche to the World Cup. In Spain and in Ecuador, Beccacece is a polarizing figure, admired and criticized in equal measure. He has restored much of the identity Alfaro built into the team, which had faded under Félix Sánchez Bas. With experience at Elche, Defensa y Justicia, Racing and Independiente, he now faces the opportunity of a lifetime. He has turned Ecuador into a fortress built on non-negotiable defensive principles—the stingiest team in qualifying, conceding just five goals in 18 matches.

Alaba’s last dance

By Ignacio Camacho

Austria returns to the World Cup 28 years after its last appearance at France ’98. Back then, a 34-year-old Anton Polster was the standout star of the Alpine side. Now David Alaba—the country’s defining football icon of the modern era—will arrive in the United States, Mexico and Canada at that same age, provided injuries allow it.

Two players who will arrive in peak condition are Laimer and Schlager, the form duo of an Austrian team that has struggled to find replacements up front for the towering Arnautovic and Gregoritsch. Both No. 9s are now past 30, but their goals were instrumental in getting Ralf Rangnick’s team back to a World Cup.

Star: Alaba

Injuries have shaped his last two years, but Alaba remains Austria’s clear leader. So much so that he rarely features as a center back anymore. Rangnick and previous managers have consistently preferred to deploy him in midfield to give him greater influence. His main obstacle is rhythm—he needs more minutes at Real Madrid to arrive fully sharp.

Head coach: Rangnick

The architect of the Red Bull talent factory has been one of the great talent spotters of the past decade and is the key figure behind Austria’s return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence. Having led the Alpine side to the last two major tournaments, his next challenge is turning Austria into one of the surprises of 2026.

Never misses

By Jorge Muñoz

Australia heads to the 2026 World Cup after clinching qualification with a decisive 2–1 win over Saudi Arabia in the final match of the Asian qualifiers. This will be the nation’s seventh World Cup appearance and its sixth in a row since 2006, when the Socceroos achieved their best result to date, reaching the round of 16—a feat they matched in the last edition.

In qualifying, Australia finished second in its AFC third-round group and secured its ticket with that victory over Saudi Arabia. The team also carries momentum into the tournament after a strong campaign in which it has not lost since the opening round.

Star: Nestory Irankunda

One of Australia’s brightest young prospects. Born in 2006, the Watford winger has produced numbers that made him an immediate fixture in the senior side. He is the second-youngest player ever to score for the Socceroos in World Cup qualifying.

Head coach: Tony Popovic

Appointed in September 2024 on a contract through the 2026 World Cup, Popovic made his name with Western Sydney, leading the club to the AFC Champions League title in 2014—the same year he was named the Asian Confederation’s Coach of the Year.

POT 3

Norway

Panama

Egypt

Algeria

Scotland

Paraguay

Tunisia

Ivory Coast

Uzbekistan

Qatar

Saudi Arabia

South Africa

Haaland’s Vikings

By Aritz Gabilondo

Norway returns to a World Cup 28 years after its last appearance. After flirting with qualification for several cycles without breaking through, the decisive leap finally came with a superb qualifying run in which they swept past Italy. Riding an unstoppable Erling Haaland, and backed by elite supporting talent in Ødegaard, Bobb, Nusa and Sørloth, Norway believes it can make real noise in 2026. They fear no one—and they have the best No. 9 on the planet. That counts for plenty.

Star: Haaland

Season after season, the numbers are astonishing—both for his club and, increasingly, for Norway, despite the national team not being a traditional powerhouse. He has steadily improved in areas where he once had room to grow, including link-up play and movement in behind. His impact at Manchester City is immense, and the same is true with Norway. For many, he is the best center forward in the world: unstoppable in full flight and dominant in the air.

Head coach: Solbbaken

He made his name in the Champions League with Copenhagen, even pushing Guardiola to the brink. With Norway, he has found the perfect setting to implement his ideas more naturally. He has given his stars the roles they need and integrated young talent seamlessly around them. The result is a nearly perfect blend.

Christiansen closes the circle

By Óscar García

Through doubt, criticism and plenty of suffering, Panama managed to qualify for the second World Cup in its history, having first appeared at Russia 2018. It was a turbulent road in which Thomas Christiansen’s team seemed on the verge of derailing at every turn, yet somehow found its balance when it mattered most.

Panama’s performances remain uneven, but the goal is clear: win the first World Cup match in the nation’s history.

Star: Adalberto Carrasquilla 

He is the difference-maker for a team he leads through both mentality and talent. After a spell with Cartagena, he is now looking to establish himself at Pumas UNAM.

Head coach: Thomas Christiansen

Qualification brings full circle the project he began upon his arrival in 2020. Despite the criticism along the way, Panama has grown and evolved under his watch.

Pharaoh Salah

By Héctor Pérez

Egypt put together an almost perfect qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup. They dominated in Africa and handled every matchup with the kind of authority that makes them one of the continent’s toughest opponents.

With a successful generation nearing its end and new players stepping into key roles, Egypt remains a formidable side. As always, the Pharaohs are not lacking in technical quality.

Star: Mohamed Salah

The Liverpool icon and national hero may be entering what could be his final World Cup. He finished among the top scorers in qualifying, and Egypt’s hopes will again flow from his left foot. The older he gets, the larger his legend grows—and so does his competitive influence.

Head coach: Hossam Hassan

Egypt has entrusted its sideline leadership to a national icon. Hossam Hassan, the country’s second-most-capped player, took over in 2024 with the aim of giving the team an extra push heading into the World Cup. The tournament will be a defining test for both coach and squad.

Breaking the round-of-16 barrier

By Simón Escudero

The Desert Foxes return to a World Cup after missing the last two editions (Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022). This will be their fifth appearance (Spain 1982, Mexico 1986, South Africa 2010 and Brazil 2014), and the goal is clear: surpass their best-ever finish, the round of 16 in Brazil, where they were eliminated by eventual champion Germany.

Algeria delivered a strong qualifying campaign in Group G, finishing top with eight wins, one draw and one loss. Their biggest weapon was a potent attack—24 goals scored underscored their superiority.

Star: Riyad Mahrez

Now 34, Mahrez enters what will likely be his final World Cup and his last matches with Algeria. He has already announced he will retire from international football after 2026. He led the team through qualifying, scoring once and assisting twice in the decisive match against Somalia.

Head coach: Vladimir Petković

The Swiss manager’s early tenure raised doubts after several inconsistent results in 2023, but the federation stood by him. Time proved them right: Petković has brought Algeria back to the World Cup, ending a 12-year absence.

Scotland keeps the partying going

By Xavi Heras

With the top spot in their group still up for grabs, Scotland needed a win over Denmark to reach the next World Cup. At 2–2 in Hampden Park deep into stoppage time, the playoffs loomed. Resignation spread through Glasgow and across the country. Then Kieran Tierney, the Celtic fullback, struck from distance in added time. The eruption of joy was deafening. And there was more to come—a second explosion of disbelief, wonder and euphoria sweeping across the north of the United Kingdom. McLean spotted Schmeichel off his line and launched a shot from midfield...

That goal for the ages, followed by the final whistle, confirmed that Scotland will return to a World Cup for the first time in 28 years. Their last appearance came at France ’98. The celebration was, understandably, epic. And long.

Star: Scott McTominay

He left Old Trafford through the back door, another Manchester United academy product who fell short of the club’s towering expectations—a familiar story since the post-Ferguson era began. But in Naples he has been reborn, a completely different player. He will be the on-field leader, just as he was last week at Hampden Park when he opened the scoring with a bicycle kick three minutes in.

Head coach: Steve Clarke

He guided Scotland to back-to-back European Championships after a 23-year absence. With qualification for the World Cup in North America, he becomes the first manager to lead the Tartan Army to three straight major tournaments. It is a feat built on faith in his own work and in his players’ abilities—confidence that has not always been warmly received. The results, however, speak for themselves.

A tough obstacle for anyone

By Juan Lopesino

Paraguay qualified for the World Cup with room to spare. They finished sixth in CONMEBOL with 28 points, just one behind second-place Ecuador. Their success was built on defensive solidity, strong home form and the work of Gustavo Alfaro, who has revived the Albirroja’s trademark toughness. Paraguay has become an uncomfortable opponent for anyone, as demonstrated in recent months—even Argentina fell in Asunción.

The squad blends experience, especially along the back line, with young attacking talent capable of breaking open games, such as Enciso and Diego Gómez. Anchors like Gustavo Gómez and Alderete provide stability at center back, while the glaring weakness remains the absence of a reliable No. 9. Sanabria is the usual starter, but he has never produced big scoring numbers.

Star: Miguel Almirón

Though he left European football for Atlanta United, Almirón is still only 31 and remains one of Paraguay’s attacking leaders. He tends to raise his level with the national team, a decisive player who demands the ball, shows character and consistently contributes in the final third. He finished the MLS season with six goals and four assists.

Head coach: Gustavo Alfaro

The veteran Argentine manager has found the ideal setting for his tactical approach. Known for building defensively disciplined teams, he has the perfect personnel to execute his ideas. He did solid work with Ecuador, but his results with Paraguay have been even more impressive: just 10 goals conceded in 18 qualifying matches.

The ‘Carthage Eagles’ in full evolution

By Ilias Bentadda

Tunisia arrives at the World Cup on the back of an outstanding qualifying run: 28 points, nine wins, just one draw and 22 goals scored. It is the profile of a team becoming more balanced by the year, with a clear tactical evolution. Veterans such as the iconic Meriah and Msakni still anchor the squad, while a new generation is pushing through, led by players like Hannibal Mejbri and Ismaël Gharbi, who left their youth careers with France and Spain to commit to Tunisia at both Arab Cup and senior level.

The team also maintains impressive defensive solidity. In the last international window, Tunisia earned a creditable 1–1 draw against Brazil, proof that it is a stubborn, difficult side to break down.

Star: Hannibal Mejbri

After leaving Manchester United, the 22-year-old attacker has been thriving at Burnley. His loan spell at Sevilla accelerated his maturity, making him a more assertive presence and ready to take the reins of Tunisia’s next generation.

Head coach: Sami Trabelsi

The project is led by Sami Trabelsi, now in his second stint at the helm and posting strong numbers: eight wins, two draws and three defeats. He heads into his first World Cup after a demanding path that included the Arab Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations. His challenge will be maintaining Tunisia’s competitive identity while sustaining the growth of a team that arrives ready to contest every match.

African power

By Juan Lopesino

Ivory Coast delivered an outstanding final qualifying round, with eight wins and two draws, yet still had to wait until the last matchday to secure top spot amid pressure from Gabon. The most striking statistic: in those ten matches, the Elephants did not concede a single goal while scoring 25.

This squad may not feature the superstar cast of past eras—when players like Drogba or Yaya Touré lit up the team—but it does boast a deep roster of major contributors at top European clubs. From Amad Diallo to Ibrahim Sangaré to Ousmane Diomandé, the talent is undeniable. The only potential weakness is in goal. Fofana is the regular starter, but he plays for Rizespor, one of the most porous defenses in Turkey..

Star: Franck Kessié

The former Milan and Barcelona midfielder now plays for Al Ahly in Saudi Arabia, where he won the AFC Champions League. He captains this Ivory Coast side. His career has not fully matched the promise he showed as a rising star, but with age and experience he has become the essential leader in midfield. A player of quality, power and work rate.

Head coach: Emerse Faé

At just 41, he will lead his country at a World Cup. Before becoming Ivory Coast manager, his only coaching experience came with Clermont’s reserve team and the Ivorian U-23s. He reached the senior job by accident, stepping in when Jean-Louis Gasset resigned mid–Africa Cup of Nations—then guiding the team all the way to the final. He was named coach of the tournament. His work through qualifying has now solidified his place.

Dream fulfilled

By Simón Escudero

Uzbekistan will make its World Cup debut, becoming the 81st nation to appear on football’s biggest stage. The long-held goal finally became reality after a strong qualifying campaign in which the team finished second behind Iran, the group winner with 20 points.

The White Wolves have spent years investing heavily in their youth system, and the results are clear: two Asian U-17 titles (2012 and 2025), a runners-up finish in 2010 and a semifinal appearance in 2023. The U-20s won the Asian Cup in 2023 and reached the quarterfinals in three of the last four U-20 World Cups. Their ticket to the senior World Cup is, in many ways, the product of that long-term development.

Star: Abdukodir Khusanov

He may not fit the classic star profile, but the Manchester City center back is one of the team’s true leaders, along with Eldor Shomurodov of Roma. His experience in Europe—especially in the Premier League—has raised the national team’s competitive level.

Head coach: Fabio Cannavaro

Uzbekistan’s federation surprised many by appointing Fabio Cannavaro as head coach. The Italian inherits a well-built foundation from his predecessor and now faces the pressure, to some extent, of delivering a respectable showing on the world stage.

Another Lopetegui miracle

By Aritz Gabilondo

Qatar is in the World Cup—its second straight appearance, but its first earned on sporting merit—and the architect is a Spanish coach: Julen Lopetegui. The way Qatar survived the Asian playoff, beating the UAE despite going down to ten men, was pure drama. After the disappointment of the previous World Cup, where they were hosts, the challenge now is to be far more competitive four years on, even though the squad remains largely unchanged and generational renewal has proven difficult.

Star: Akram Afif

Qatar’s most talented player and its biggest international success story, Afif spent time with Sporting, Villarreal and Sevilla, but achieved his greatest glory at home with Al Sadd and with the national team. A decisive figure in both of Qatar’s Asian Cup triumphs, he has the quality to play either as a creative No. 10 or drifting in from the wings.

Head coach: Lopetegui

He was dismissed by West Ham despite doing excellent work at Wolves, and his Qatar adventure could not have started any better or any faster. They finished the group stage with some doubts but made the playoff, where Lopetegui worked his miracle by eliminating the UAE, sparking nationwide celebration. Highly competitive by nature, he will coach at his first World Cup after narrowly missing out in 2018 due to the fallout with Rubiales.

A step forward

By Pablo M. Fuentenebro

Saudi Arabia wants to keep climbing the global football ladder. Its massive investment in the domestic league is the first stage of a long-term push ahead of the 2034 World Cup, which the kingdom hopes will be its defining moment. This World Cup must serve as the proving ground—the first real test of whether importing global stars to the Saudi league can genuinely raise the level of local players.

In Qatar, they stunned the world by beating Argentina 2–1 in their opener. Now, drawn from Pot 3, they will be a tricky opponent for anyone. It will no longer be a shock if they deliver another upset against a heavyweight. Saudi Arabia reached the round of 16 in its 1994 debut, but has not advanced from the groups since. Getting back to the knockout stages is the target.

Star: Salem Al Dawsari

The captain and a towering figure for both the national team and Al Hilal. He was among the Saudi players who spent time in LaLiga, completing a six-month stint with Villarreal in 2018. Al Dawsari scored the historic winner against Argentina at the 2022 World Cup. This will be his third World Cup.

Head coach: Hervé Renard

The Frenchman has returned to the sideline as Saudi Arabia’s savior. He led the Green Falcons in Qatar, then spent a year and a half coaching France’s women’s national team before returning as a hero after Mancini’s troubled spell. He guided Saudi Arabia back to the World Cup.

Back in the spotlight

By Iván Cordovilla

South Africa is one of the clearest examples of a team benefiting from the expanded World Cup field. This is the nation’s first qualification on merit since 2002 (they appeared in 2010 as hosts), and they did it by finishing ahead of Nigeria, one of Africa’s traditional powers.

With Burnley forward Lyle Foster as the key attacking piece, South Africa will rely heavily on its physical strength to level matches against stronger opponents. Rayners, who impressed with Mamelodi Sundowns at the Club World Cup, is another name to watch. Their Africa Cup of Nations campaign from December to January will heavily influence how they arrive at the World Cup.

Star: Ronwen Williams

The goalkeeper is a perennial nominee for FIFA’s Best Goalkeeper award. He is the most recognizable figure in the squad, the captain, and the player responsible for anchoring the team’s defensive stability if South Africa is to spring any surprises.

Head coach: Hugo Broos

The veteran Belgian manager is getting the best out of this South African side. A semifinalist at the last Africa Cup of Nations and now a direct qualifier for the World Cup, he has so far been the perfect match for Bafana Bafana.

POT 4

Jordan

Cape Verde

Ghana

Curaçao

Haiti

New Zealand

UEFA Playoff A

UEFA Playoff B

UEFA Playoff C

UEFA Playoff D

Intercontinental Playoff A

Intercontinental Playoff B

The great wonder of Asia

By Ignacio Camacho

Located in one of the world’s most volatile regions, Jordan is best known for Petra, the ancient marvel considered one of the seven wonders of the modern world. Its football, by contrast, long went unnoticed at major tournaments—until a breakout run at the Asian Cup two years ago, when Jordan reached the final against Qatar. Their qualifying campaign proved that run was no fluke, as they secured their first-ever World Cup berth with ease.

And it is no small achievement. Only one Jordanian player, Musa Al Tamari, plays in a European league; the vast majority compete domestically. The team’s biggest strength is its attack, where the trio of Al Tamari (Rennes), Al Naimat (Al Arabi) and Ali Olwan (Al Karma) shone throughout qualifying.

Star: Al Tamari

The lone Jordanian playing in Europe, the right winger joined Rennes from Montpellier in an €8 million move and is a guaranteed starter under Beye. For the national team he has scored 21 goals in 70 appearances, and at 28 he is targeting the record of 30 set by Al Dardour, Jordan’s all-time top scorer.

Head coach: Sellami

He faced the daunting task of taking over after Jordan’s success at the 2023 Asian Cup. Moroccan coach Hussein Ammouta left the bar high, but his compatriot Sellami—who had never coached outside Morocco before the Jordanian federation called—managed what once seemed impossible: guiding the Nashama to their first World Cup.

Their first World Cup

By Jorge Muñoz

Cape Verde heads to the 2026 World Cup after a historic milestone, securing its first-ever qualification by defeating Eswatini at home on October 13, 2025. The achievement is even more remarkable given the nation’s limited footprint in major competitions, with the Africa Cup of Nations as its only regular stage and a quarterfinal appearance as its best result.

The Blue Sharks earned their place through a strong African qualifying campaign, finishing ahead of powerful opponents such as Cameroon. With a population of just over half a million, Cape Verde becomes one of the smallest nations ever to reach the World Cup.

Star: Livramento

He was instrumental in Cape Verde’s breakthrough, finishing as the top scorer in World Cup qualifying and opening the scoring in the decisive match against Eswatini. Born in Europe to Cape Verdean parents, he has played for clubs such as Hellas Verona and currently represents Casa Pia in Portugal.

Head coach: Bubista

Pedro “Bubista” Leitão Brito is a historic figure in Cape Verdean football. After a playing career that began at Spain’s C.D. Badajoz and included a captaincy of the national team, he took over as head coach in 2020 and has now led the nation to its greatest footballing achievement.

Africa’s perennial outsider

By Óscar García

With the ever-reliable Jordan Ayew leading the line and scoring the goals, Ghana delivered a flawless qualifying campaign, booking its World Cup ticket with undeniable authority.

This will be the Black Stars’ fifth World Cup appearance. They came within inches of reaching the semifinals in 2010, but failed to escape the group stage in both 2014 and 2022. With only one win in their last six World Cup matches, their primary objective once again will be to make it out of the first round.

Star: Iñaki Williams

Ghana’s place at the World Cup validates the decision he made when he committed to the Black Stars, though his national-team form has yet to match the level he consistently shows at Athletic Club.

Head coach: Otto Addo

In his second spell as Ghana’s manager, Addo has repeated what he achieved in his first: guiding the Black Stars to a World Cup, as he did ahead of Qatar 2022.

The ‘Clockwork Tangerine’ are already winners

By Víctor M. Jiménez

The smallest nation ever to reach a World Cup. For the first time in its history—and in almost heroic fashion—Curaçao earned its ticket by grinding out a 0–0 draw in Jamaica to cap a superb qualifying run. With just 159,000 inhabitants and a land area comparable to Spain’s province of Salamanca, the scale of the achievement is extraordinary.

A former Dutch colony still within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the island once nicknamed “the useless island” by the Spanish has deep cultural and footballing ties to the Netherlands. Many of its players were born and developed in Europe, even though their roots trace back to this Caribbean outpost.

Star: Jurgen Locadia

A striker now based in Spain, Locadia came through PSV’s academy and spent several years in the Premier League with Brighton. He currently plays for Intercity in Alicante. His experience and quality—he was even capped by the Netherlands—make him far more than just an individual talent; he is an inspiration for the younger players in a squad that feels more like a family.

Head coach: Dirk Advocaat

The eldest manager in the tournament and a legend of the profession. At 78, Advocaat will lead Curaçao at the World Cup, making him the oldest head coach at this edition. A World Cup manager with the Netherlands in 1994 and a UEFA Cup (now Europa League) winner with Zenit, his latest feat—guiding Curaçao to the World Cup—adds another remarkable chapter to a near-unrepeatable story.

An unexpected journey

By Víctor M. Jiménez

While most eyes were fixed on Suriname and Curaçao, Haiti was quietly winning, convincing and securing a ticket to the second World Cup in its history. Without fanfare, step by step, the national team of a country enduring severe economic and social turmoil has given its people a rare moment of collective joy.

Like many emerging national teams today, Haiti is built around naturalized players with Haitian roots, most of whom were born in France. It is a solid, committed group that took full advantage of Honduras and Costa Rica’s absence from a qualifying group in which Haiti was not expected to contend.

Star: Jean-Ricner Bellegarde

An indefatigable engine. The Wolves midfielder is the heart and lungs of this team. At 27, he arrives in peak form and is perfectly suited to a side like Haiti, which will likely spend significant stretches sitting deep and look to break with explosive counterattacks.

Head coach: Migné

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The 52-year-old played at lower-division level before carving out a coaching career specializing in African national teams, including spells with DR Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Kenya and Congo. In 2024, he accepted Haiti’s offer and, through smart player recruitment and a physical, disciplined style, led the nation to its first World Cup in 52 years.

The World Cup’s Cinderella

By Juan Lopesino

New Zealand faced virtually no resistance in World Cup qualifying, claiming Oceania’s lone automatic berth—now awarded without the need for an interconfederation playoff. Across just five matches, the All Whites scored 29 goals and conceded only one. It was a routine march that now gives way to the dream of facing the world’s best, carried by their remarkable scoring output and comfort playing without the ball.

Since that brief qualifying phase, New Zealand has played numerous friendlies and shown it can compete with the likes of Colombia, Ecuador and Poland. They even earned an impressive draw against Norway. The realistic goal is to win a match—something they have never achieved in their two previous World Cup appearances. In 2010, however, they proved their mettle by finishing undefeated with three draws.

Star: Chris Wood

There is no question that the powerful striker is the team’s driving force, the player who raises the squad’s level above that of a group otherwise defined by collective effort and work rate. The Nottingham Forest forward scored 20 goals in last season’s Premier League, though his output has dipped this year. He will be 34 by the time the World Cup begins.

Head coach: Darren Bazeley

The 53-year-old Englishman starred as a player at Watford and Wolverhampton before turning to coaching. His managerial career has unfolded in Australia and New Zealand, where he has led the national team since 2022. He has built a compact, resilient unit that does not fold against stronger opposition and has a clear idea of how to progress the ball into dangerous areas.

UEFA Playoff A

Italy confronts its ghosts

Italy cannot slip up. It opens the playoff at home against Northern Ireland, the team that denied the Azzurri a place at the 1958 World Cup. If they advance, they will travel to face the winner of Wales vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina.

UEFA Playoff B

Isak and Lewandowski, on the brink

Sweden, led by Isak and Gyökeres, is walking a tightrope. They must win away to Ukraine; only then would they host the winner of Poland vs. Albania.

UEFA Playoff C

Güler’s moment of truth

Turkey, powered by Arda Güler, enters the playoffs as the favorite. They open at home against Romania but would then have to win on the road against the victor of Slovakia vs. Kosovo.

UEFA Playoff D

Denmark in danger

Denmark dropped into the playoffs at the last moment, stunned by the brilliance of Scotland, and now faces a treacherous path. First comes North Macedonia, then a trip to meet the winner of Czech Republic vs. Ireland.

FIFA Playoff 1

DR Congo, the clear favorite

The Democratic Republic of Congo—who knocked out Cameroon and Nigeria to reach this super-playoff—will play a single match against the winner of Jamaica vs. New Caledonia.

FIFA Playoff 2

Irak, the seeded side

Iraq awaits the winner of Bolivia vs. Suriname. All matches will be played at a neutral venue in Monterrey, Mexico.

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